New Zealand Night Sky

Kayaking in Franz Josef, New Zealand

My ‘Kiwi Experience’ Review

Milford Sound, New Zealand [Gallery]

Lake Matheson, New Zealand

Many of the lakes in New Zealand have an underwater current of some kind, which makes it difficult to get really great reflections. Lake Matheson, on the West Coast of New Zealand near Mt. Cook, is a bit different. It has no current, which means you get really great reflections like this off the still water. It’s known for being one of the best “mirror lakes” on all the South Island. There aren’t many, either.

The main subjects of the photo: Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman, with Fox Glacier just off to the left of the frame (click to view).

I’d looked at a few other photos of Lake Matheson prior to going, and many of them were taken in the winter months so the mountains in the background were covered in snow. Check out this fantastic sunset capture of Lake Matheson from Todd Sisson on Flickr.

The trek from the road out to Lake Matheson isn’t far, and you’ll cross an old swing bridge on the way. As you’d expect, there’s plenty of great scenery all around.

Map for Lake Matheson

About Mike Beauchamp

After a divorce, losing his job, selling his house, a tumultuous relationship and subsequent breakup, Mike sold 80% of his belongings, put another 18% in storage, and packed the remaining 2% into a backpack and hit the road. Mike is currently a vagabond of sorts, traveling the world with only what he can carry on his back. He has two objectives in all of this: to photograph the most beautiful places on Earth and to finally take the time to get to know himself. You can follow Mike on Twitter (@mbchp) for more frequent updates.